The cold snap particularly hurt Powder Ridge over Christmas break, which can traditionally be some of the busier days of the year. The minus 24 degree low on New Year's Eve spoiled their annual big event.

"Last year, it was one of our biggest days," Wahlin said. Every year, they have a party, fireworks and a band.

"People come out and it's a family tradition," he said.

This year didn't see those numbers, but the bar was still full and people were still dancing, he said.

The cold weather has been good for the ski runs, however.

"During the cold snap, we were able to make a lot of snow," he said, and all the runs are covered.

Before the cold snap, Wahlin said the ski area was seeing above-normal numbers. Now they're back to about normal.

"But today we're having a pretty good day," he said. "We have a group out of the Cities, with 600 kids. It's busy here."

Wahlin said they don't bother to try and get people out of their homes during cold snaps like this.

"We've learned over the years, if they're not willing to come out, they're not willing to come out," he said. They could slash prices, which may get a few more people out, but it's not worth the effort.

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After stopping and looking both ways, Derrick Nelson safely crosses a hilly section of Stearns County Road 5 on the snowmobile trail west of St. Stephen.
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At Pro Cycle, Gans said he can't complain about the cold snap too much.

"Believe it or not, it's been OK," he said. "This is better than it being 35 to 40 degrees. And it's white out."

By having white on the ground and cold weather, it gets people thinking about those winter activities.

"There's rideable snow within a couple of hours of here," he said. "It's not great, but it's hopefully going to get better. We can't complain."

Last year at this time, it had rained a few times already, which ruins the trails.

People are traveling to northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan for good snow.

"We've been doing this for 35 years. We keep tabs with what's going on so we can send customers," he said.

They're coming in for repairs or to buy parts, getting ready for the inevitable snowfall.

Locally, there hasn't been enough snow to create good snowmobile trails, he said. He says the community needs 4 to 6 inches for the local snowmobile clubs to get out grooming trails.

"I think they're just waiting," he said. "I think they just need more snow."

The shop provides free ski rentals at the annual Moonlight Ski event at Quarry Park, which was Friday. He said both parking lots at the park were full, so people showed up, despite the below zero temperatures.

"A majority of the events were back in the pole barn because of the cold," he said. "People are accommodating to the weather. ... There were surprisingly quite a few people out there."

As with many weather-affected businesses, owners and employees ride out the highs and lows — of temperatures and business. And they're probably ignoring those almanac-esque, yearlong forecasts. Wahlin says he doesn't pay them any attention.

"They never seem to come true anyway," he said. "You can't control it, so why are you worrying about it? ... Whatever happens, happens."